IrishLegend

I've heard that some places will let you use their shop lifts to do work on their cars. Is this true? If so where.

Thanks,

blown 87

I doubt it.

IrishLegend

I can't remember who told me that. I didn't think it was true due to liability etc.

Landseer

Brian,how is the car. Status?

IrishLegend

Runs great, thanks for asking. I need to change the transmission fluid and just don't trust my jack stands! I know that's a bit silly. I also need to change out the fuel filter. I couldn't find any fuel pump copper seals locally so I ordered a few. Other than that it runs like a champ. How's your babies?

bronto

I had this idea as a business plan at some point. Didn't pencil out like I'd hoped, largely because of liability insurance issues, and the "idiot" factor of your customers.

But while researching it I did discover that many military service bases offer this as an option for the people who serve there. Possibly this would be open to veterans or friends of those who can. Try googling "Rent a bay" and you might find something in your area.

dr bob

Hi Brian--

The e-mail ad from the local Harber Freight offers 3 ton stands for about $12/pr this week, IIRC. I happen to like the 6 ton stands just because they have a larger footprint, and a fringe beneifit is that I can squeeze under with a little room to work when i use the taller stands. Depending on what jack you have, you may find that a pair of each size is a great way to go.

Aloysius

+1 on the Harbor Freight 3 ton stands, i went for the 6 ton stands as they'll get the car up to about 20" which is enough room to flail your arms about trying to get at stuff. i'm about to remove the transmission so the extra height is a bonus.

Bronto - i've toyed with this idea as a business plan as well and i agree the liability issues are a small barrier to making it really work. unless, it's coupled with other sundries and services. i was thinking that every customer should also sign a liability waiver and would be required to demonstrate proficiency with the heavy equipment prior to it's use, including lifts. I still think the idea 'has legs' with the right plan - if you're still interested and would like to revisit, shoot me a PM so as not to hijack the thread...

Brian - keep on truckin' with the repairs - major bonding value there - good luck!

Dharn55

Ten or fifteen years ago there was a place near me called rent a wrench that rented stalls by the hour. It was a great concept and I used it several times. But they did not last long, I guess the economics were not that great. Too bad!

IrishLegend

FYI - I went to my local Shell Rapid Lube where I change the family trucksters oil at and they let me use one of their bays for free. Of course I tipped them $40 for being so cool. I do have the 3 ton HF stands but they just feel kinda cheap to me. I am also new to this do-it-yourself auto mechanics stuff. I'm getting there and learning a lot with this car and the majority of it is coming from you guys and the local Austin 928 guys and Sean from DFW. I'm hoping we can get some local tech sessions scheduled for our group so I can get even more of a hands on education.

Thanks guys!

bronto

Not really, in my area an appropriate space would be cost prohibitive.

danglerb

I just don't like jack stands, so I bought a midrise lift. Plenty of options from around $700 for used to fairly decent new full size lifts around $2k.

The catch with rent a stall is that your "target" customer is the cheapest of the cheap, and likely way below normal professional skills. 1 hour jobs turn into abandoned beater car on the lift etc. First real accident and your out of business.

OTOH I have heard of a few people going together on a coop garage. Like half a dozen people share a commercial space to store and work on their cars.

Aloysius

Bronto - i agree, SB would be pricey; Boulder would be too. I am thinking though that with people wanting to squeeze more life out of their cars for fewer $'s and a willingness to take on their own jobs - well, maybe.

Danglerb - i have heard of the coop notion before too and there are a few on the CO front range but they are more 'private' than coop (tough to get into the club). Nonetheless, thanks for the input. finding a way to keep the 'beater left on the lift' was also a concern i hadn't solved yet - still thinkin'

LightStriker

Do you mean like a Do It Yourself shop? Have one close to where I live. Quite useful.

mickster

Did they also dispose of the ATF fluid for you? If so--added bonus--no need to container it and deal of the disposal. Worth not having to deal with that for $40.